May 2002 Value Gaming PC Buyer's Guide - Page 6

Sound Card: SoundBlaster Live! 5.1 OEM

Current Cost: $25
Months on list: New
Price Change: N/A

The SoundBlaster Audigy is still a bit too expensive for our value system, but going with the basic SB Live! Value still leaves a bit of cash left over. A great compromise is upgrading to the SoundBlaster Live! 5.1 OEM. This card has all the features of the Live! Value, and incorporates 5.1 audio into the overall mix.

With the SB Live!-based sound card, you will never having to worry if your new game will work on your system, or have to check the game box for API support. The Creative Labs SoundBlaster name is like gold for the PC gamer, and since it is a standard in the computer business, EAX support is prevalent in both current and upcoming games.

Speakers: Logitech Z540 5-Piece Speaker System

Current Cost: $55
Months on list: New
Price Change: N/A

Like a system case, buying a set of value speakers shouldn't be an afterthought. Granted, we're not going to be nabbing a pair of high-end Klipsch Promedia or MidiLand speakers, but you can still get amazing game sound without breaking the bank.

The optimum method of determining your choice of speakers is to actually listen to a few sets, using CD and game music to make the final determination. We recommend buying a 3 or 5-speaker setup at minimum, with multiple satellites and one subwoofer. A greater number of speakers and Dolby 4.1 or 5.1 support will help differentiate 3D sounds, and the subwoofer will really make you feel the base tones and enhance your overall gaming experience.

One problem we found ourselves with this month is picking a successor to the impressive Altec Lansing ACS 54. This particular set has been discontinued by Altec Lansing and their replacement didn't impress us in exactly the same way. Our pick is the Logitech Z540 5-Piece Speaker System, the little brother to the powerful Z-560's. The overall power specs may not match up to the booming Logitech Z-560, but it is virtually impossible to find a better speaker set in this price range.

CD/DVD-ROM Player: LG 16X DVD-ROM

Current Cost: $32
Months on list: New
Price Change: N/A

As a value option, we're a big fan of LG CD and DVD-based players and recorders. These commonly have the performance and specifications of higher-end models, but can be found at a significant cost savings. Couple this with the incredible penetration of the LG brand name and you won't have a hard time finding one of these at your local PC stores.

For these reasons, we are upgrading our CD/DVD-ROM player to the LG 16X DVD-ROM. Even entry-level buyers may want to watch a DVD movie from time to time, and the actual cost difference of going the CD-ROM route is very negligible. The LG 16X is a prime pick for those looking to save a few bucks on a DVD-ROM without sacrificing performance or features.